THE negative impact of plastic pollution was seen at the South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR) when a rescued Green Turtle died recently.

A team of vets later found substantial plastic waste in the sea creatures abdomen.

According to SAAMBR spokesperson, Ann Kunz, the turtle, affectionately named Jellybean, died on Friday, February 4 after life became increasingly difficult over the past two weeks.

Also read: Loggerhead turtle recovers at uShaka Sea World after shark attack

“The veterinary team performed a necropsy which revealed various inorganic objects (nylon, rope and plastic) in her gut which we suspect caused an impaction. The foreign objects consisted of a plastic packet, a piece of rope, nylon thread and various other foreign objects which weighed 3.5g,” said Kunz.

uShaka Sea World veterinarian, Dr Francois Lampen said this was a stark reminder of the impact pollution has on the marine environment.

 “The impaction was so severe that it resulted in intestinal perforation with associated infection. In light of these findings, one could assume that the turtle became compromised after ingesting the plastic and other foreign material,” said Lampen.

Also read: Turtle recovers at SAAMBR after shark attack

SAAMBR said the turtle was admitted to uShaka Sea World on January 12 after it was stranded on a beach at Kosi Bay, in Northern Kwa-Zulu Natal.

“On arrival, Jellybean was lethargic and unable to feed on her own. Both her front flippers had been partially amputated in a suspected encounter with a predator. Various diagnostics (radiographs, ultrasounds and blood tests) were performed and although her prognosis was poor, we tried our best to assist her recover by administering fluids and offering her food through a tube,” said Kunz.

“Unfortunately turtles and other marine animals often ingest pieces of plastic which they mistake as food. Although Jellybean’s story does not have a happy ending, we hope her story encourages humans to continue working towards a plastic free ocean,” she said.

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